ITV's planned Christmas television schedule for 2025 has been branded 'abysmal' by disgruntled viewers, with many lamenting that the festive period has 'lost its magic' on the channel.
A Festive Schedule Lacking Festive Cheer?
The criticism centres on a Christmas Day lineup that many feel mirrors a regular weekday, dominated by daytime staples rather than special festive films or programming. The nostalgic tradition of poring over a physical TV guide to circle must-watch Christmas specials feels a distant memory for some.
On Christmas Day, the broadcast begins with Good Morning Britain at 7am, followed by Christmas specials of Lorraine at 9am and This Morning at 10am. Loose Women airs at 12pm, then James Martin's Christmas Day at 1pm. After The King's speech at 3pm, the schedule includes Indiana Jones at 3.10pm, ITV News at 5.25pm, and It'll Be Alright On The Night at 5.45pm. Evening soaps Emmerdale and Coronation Street air at 6.15pm and 7.15pm respectively, followed by a Bullseye special, The 1% Club Christmas Special, and a Parent's Evening Special concluding the day.
Mixed Reactions from the Public
The revealed schedule has ignited a fierce debate online, with a significant portion of viewers expressing disappointment. One social media user reminisced: "I remember when Christmas morning was for the kids, always cartoons and kids' shows or Christmas movies, now we get Christmas Lorraine and this morning... Christmas TV really has lost its magic."
Another critic fumed: "That is a shocking Xmas day line up! Gather round kids, let’s watch GMB, Lorraine and This Morning." Further comments labelled it "one of the worst Christmas day line-ups ever" and compared ITV's Christmas Night to something from 1986.
However, not all feedback was negative. Some viewers approved of the lineup, with one fan stating it was a "Great line up," and another quipping they could watch everything and "still be in bed by 9.30pm."
What's On for Christmas Eve and Boxing Day?
Christmas Eve offers slightly more traditional fare, with Santa Claus at 3.45pm and Love Actually at 9.10pm. The day also includes The Chase Celebrity Special, Royal Carols At Christmas, and the soaps.
On Boxing Day, highlights include a repeat of the Bullseye Christmas special at 3pm, The Masked Singer UK Christmas Special at 7.30pm, and the Who Wants To Be A Millionaire Celebrity Special at 9pm.
Despite these offerings, the overarching sentiment from many critics is a perceived lack of dedicated, magical Christmas programming, particularly on the big day itself, marking a stark contrast to the festive TV glory days of the past.
